The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos The War For Kindness
Jun 22, 2020
Mina Cikara, a Harvard psychologist studying intergroup bias, and Jamil Zaki, a Stanford professor and author of "The War for Kindness," dive into the darker aspects of group identity and conflict. They discuss the escalating dangers of biases, especially in sports rivalries and societal divisions. The duo emphasizes empathy as a powerful tool for fostering connection in a fractured world. They also explore how sharing personal narratives can bridge ideological gaps, encouraging kindness as a remedy to hatred.
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Yankee Stadium Incident
- Mina Cikara attended a Red Sox-Yankees game with her Red Sox fan husband.
- Wearing his Red Sox hat, he was initially teased good-naturedly, but the teasing turned aggressive as the game intensified.
Intergroup Bias
- Cikara's experience highlights the dangerous force of intergroup biases.
- Identifying with a group can trigger negative reactions towards those perceived as different.
Yugoslavian Civil War
- Mina Cikara's family background in former Yugoslavia provides additional context to intergroup conflict.
- She witnessed how quickly friendly relationships turned violent due to political shifts.
